DOJ proposes remedies to curb Google's online search dominance

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The Department of Justice (DOJ) is weighing potential sanctions against Alphabet's Google (GOOG, GOOGL) that could force a breakup of the company and dismantle the tech giant's dominance of the online search market. This comes months after a federal judge ruled that Google violated antitrust law with its search engine, labeling it as a monopolist.

The DOJ proposes several remedies, all aimed at ensuring that Google does not pose future harm through its alleged monopolistic behavior. First, the DOJ wants to limit or end the contracts that place Google as the default provider on internet-connected devices in places such as browsers, apps, and AI search tools.

DOJ officials also propose that websites should be able to opt out of having Google sweep them for information. This would prevent Google from continuing to bolster its index and give more of its competitors an opportunity in web content.

Finally, the DOJ is looking to target Google's search text advertising by potentially licensing its advertising feed. Other proposals include going after Google Chrome, the Play Store, and Android.

Google posted a response to the DOJ's proposals, calling it "radical and sweeping," and arguing that it risks "hurting consumers, businesses, and developers." The company added, "We believe that today’s blueprint goes well beyond the legal scope of the Court’s decision about Search distribution contracts."

Yahoo Finance Senior Legal Reporter Alexis Keenan examines the framework proposed by the DOJ as the trial moves forward in the remedies phase and how it may impact the broader tech sector.

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This post was written by Melanie Riehl

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